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23 January 2017

RCMP warning & Armed Robbery Follow Up

RCMP warning of heroin laced with CarfentanilJan.20, 2017submitted by RCMP Media Relations, courtesy of MorinvilleNews.com
The RCMP has been involved in an ongoing drug investigation in Strathcona County since October, 2016, during the course of which some quantities of heroin were seized and found to contain the extremely dangerous and potentially lethal drug, Carfentanil.

The samples of the substance which police believed to be heroin at the time they were seized were sent for analysis to Health Canada. The analysis was completed by Health Canada and received by the RCMP yesterday which confirmed that the seized substance is heroin. Noted in the analysis was the presence of Carfentanil in the heroin.

Carfentanil is listed under Schedule 1 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and is an analogue version of the synthetic opioid analgesic Fentanyl, however it is approximately 100 times stronger than Fentanyl (which is itself approximately 100 times more powerful than morphine). It is extremely harmful and even the tiniest of particles could prove lethal. A dose of 20 micro grams of Carfentanil would be fatal to a person.

Illegal drugs containing opioids such as carfentanil and heroin, as well as any illegal drug, are not tested during the manufacturing process nor do the meet any safety standards. In addition, the conditions under which these illegal drugs are processed are not controlled and may be contaminated with other substances and drugs. In short, these products can lead to serious personal injuries and, in some cases, death.

This information is being sent out for public awareness and safety. This investigation is still ongoing and further details will be provided when they become available.

Morinville RCMP lay charges following armed robbery investigationJan.23, 2017submitted by Morinville RCMP, courtesy of MorinvilleNews.comOn January 18, 2017, following a search warrant executed in Bon Accord, with the assistance of the Emergency Response Team, Morinville RCMP arrested 24-year-old James Gordon Toma in relation to an earlier incident.

On January 13 at 7:30 p.m., an armed robbery was reported to the Morinville RCMP. The suspect was reported to have fled in a blue Chevrolet Cavalier with the victim chasing that vehicle. Shots were fired and the two vehicles collided. Assistance was requested from the RCMP in identifying suspects and locating a blue Chevrolet Cavalier.The Cavalier has since been located abandoned, and was seized by the Morinville RCMP.

James Toma is facing 23 criminal charges as a result of this investigation. 14 of these charges stem from the incident on January 13, 2017 as follows: – Point a firearm– Unlawful use of a firearm– Possession of a weapon (firearm)– Discharging firearm with intent (x 2)– Aggravated Assault– Unauthorized possession of a firearm– Knowledge of Unauthorized possession of a firearm– Firearm in a vehicle– Possession of a firearm obtained by crime– Fail to comply with conditions (x4)

Nine criminal charges are as a result of the execution of the search warrant on January 18 as follows:– Unlawful storage of a firearm– Unauthorized possession of a firearm– Knowledge of Unauthorized possession of a firearm– Possession of a firearm obtained by crime– Possession of property obtained by crime– Fail to comply with conditions (x3)

As well as one charge of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Toma has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court of Alberta in Morinville on January 26, 2017 via CCTV.

One stolen handgun and a box of ammunition were among other items seized during the execution of the search warrant.

“As always, we’re pleased to remove a stolen handgun from the community,” says Sergeant Shayne Courtorielle. “We are committed to stopping any criminal enterprise and are grateful to the public for bringing issues to our attention.”

The RCMP continue to actively investigate and seek another suspect in this armed robbery. A further update will be provided when RCMP have information to release.

Editor’s note: Police have not provided an update on the missing County resident (also driving a blue Cavalier when last seen) or if they believe the incidents are connected. We will provide all details on all incidents as they are available.

SRCWA #2017-008

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.

If you have any information in respect to any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.